Today my brother and I took my P15 for its first sail and we
had a great time. There was a small craft advisory in effect,
but I believe it was greatly exaggerated. We sailed
on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, VA, and as is typical, there
were some spots with almost no wind, and others with a steady
breeze I'd estimate to be about 15 mph. There were occasional
gusts to 25 mph or so, I'd guess. Mostly we sailed with main
and jib, no reefs.
First of all the boat handled great in the higher winds.
I had previously complained about stability (board up), but sailing
with the board down, at no point did I feel we were about to flip.
We almost had water coming in over the gunnel a couple of times.
So, overall, I am very well pleased. But I'm better at complaints,
so here they are:
1. The main block on the seat next to the cabin must go. The
cockpit was entirely too busy. Adding boom end sheeting is my
first priority.
2. While pointing in higher winds, the main was difficult to sheet
in. I need to add another block or something for more purchase.
3. There were only two of us, yet I felt we had a full load.
Tomorrow I'll be taking 3 or 4 people out and we'll see how it
goes. We kept the cabin buttoned up today, so perhaps opening
that will make for more room. Also I'll send somebody to the
bow.
3. I like to sit aft, but the boat sails best with weight forward.
Some counter weight up forward, and not taking the stupid motor
(a separate email about the motor coming...) along may help.
4. My sail slugs slide very poorly.
Don't get me wrong, I love the boat, and today we had a great
time. We are looking forward to getting out again tomorrow, and
personally I wish Dennis would come back again!
Mike